H.E.L.P. is dedicated to empowering older adults and their families by providing impartial information, education and counseling on elder care, law, finances and consumer protection so they may lead lives with security and dignity. Find out more about H.E.L.P.

H.E.L.P. held its 2014 annual Celebrate Summer fundraiser, themed “Moonlight on the Serengeti,” on a balmy June 6 evening at the Palos Verdes Golf Club. With a raffle prize of a 10-day luxury safari to Kenya and Tanzania, donated by Macato Safaris, and guests attired in everything from black tie to safari helmets, the lively crowd enjoyed a celebration of the work of H.E.L.P.

Bad news: So many people need assistance. Good news: You can enlist in Senior Corps!

In 2009, President Obama signed the Serve America Act. It assists older adults in sharing their skills, talents and lifetime experiences with members of their communities. Just last year, California’s Senior Corps volunteers:

Feelings of grief, loneliness and financial insecurity are often considered parts of the normal aging process.

Depression involves a lot more than just feeling blue, however. According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation or GMHF, if left untreated, severe or clinical depression may seriously impact a person’s physical and mental well-being. Reported incidences of depression among adults aged 65 and above exceed 6.5 million. Unfortunately, only 10 percent seek medical treatment or psychological support.

Because reports of elder financial abuse continue to rise, the California Legislature enacted the Donative Transfer Restriction Statute. It ensures the validity of written gifts – also called donative transfers – made to people who provide older adults with legal advice, personal care or other support. The statute’s purpose: Eliminate gifting that may heighten accusations of undue influence or financial fraud.

As part of the normal aging process, many people need assistance with specific types of care. This might mean help with bathing, dressing, preparing meals and accessing transportation. It might also include finding medical services, social orientation and psychological support. A geriatric care manager or GCM is a human service professional who assists individual older adults in meeting their care needs.

These days, because the costs of living seem to be higher than ever before, a record number of senior homeowners are considering reverse mortgage loans that convert their home equity into available income. Although reverse mortgages may provide an affordable way to obtain needed funds, they can sometimes turn out to be much more expensive than standard home loans.